PROC-ASD addresses the significantly low employment rate of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly in the ICT sector. Although autistic individuals often possess strengths that make them well-suited for ICT roles, such as attention to detail, pattern recognition, and methodical thinking, unemployment among this group remains extremely high (under 10% in Europe). This situation has worsened following the COVID-19 pandemic due to reduced education, employment, and support opportunities.

At the same time, Europe faces a growing shortage of ICT professionals, with ICT employment rising steadily over the past decade and digital skills becoming increasingly crucial for innovation and competitiveness. PROC-ASD responds to these parallel challenges by promoting an inclusive adult education approach aligned with major EU policies on disability, inclusion, and digital skills.

The project focuses on strengthening ICT and coding skills among adults with ASD and building a supportive educational framework that encourages their meaningful participation in the labor market, especially in ICT-related careers.

The objectives of the PROC-ASD are:

• to develop the skills of trainers/staff of ICT training providers (professionals, organizations, companies) on including people with ASD in coding training/courses
• to enhance the access of adults with ASD to training/skill-building opportunities in ICT, linked to the priorities of strengthening the employability of people
• to increase the interest of organizations that support people with ASD, of people with ASD and of their families on the potential of skills building and pursuing a career in ICT
• to raise awareness among employers and employers’ organizations on the benefits of employing persons with ASD and how they can support their inclusion

The main beneficiaries of the project are

• People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: PROC-ASD promotes the employability of people with ASD (and their rights, as of all people with disabilities to fully participate in society on an equal basis with others, by facilitating the creation of dedicated pilot training programme for learners with ASD
• ICT Adult Education Providers: PROC-ASD aims to develop the skills of ICT Adult Education Trainers providing training on coding/programming so that they can reach out and include people with ASD in the training. 20 training providers per partner country will be reached primarily during the peer learning sessions

Other beneficiaries include:

• Organisations working with people with ASD: PROC-ASD seeks to reach out to NGOs, CSOs and all organisations working with people with ASD on the potential of skills building and pursuing a career in ICT, and how to access training opportunities
• ICT employers and organisations: Dissemination and awareness activities are designed to reach ICT employers, employers’ organizations, and recruiters on the benefits of employing people with ASD and how they can support their inclusion
• VET educators: The synergies created by the project as explained previously will also allow it to reach VET trainers during the implementation of the project activities, training and maximization via the outreach efforts

PROC-ASD at a glance

• Creation of resources on the training of trainers in the fields of Adult Education and ICT training and coding for people with ASD, Guidelines, Learning Objectives, as well as policy recommendations disseminated at an EU level
• Innovative training program in the field of Adult Education dedicated to the enhancement of skills of adult education and ICT trainers to adapt their methods to people with ASD, and creation of innovative training materials and methodologies
• Methodology handbook which will influence community development in partner countries. The outcome is to propose a) a training framework and b) further advances in the relevant theories of work with people with ASD. The research report will include good practices in coding and successful pedagogies for coding education through non-formal methods as part of a blended learning approach
• Dissemination activities regarding the training for trainers, ICT, and opportunities for the economic inclusion of people with ASD in the ICT sector.